Stories for April 14, 2006

plays out like a high-end student film, fueled by youthful energy and the giddiness that comes from someone finally getting to make their first movie. The film may be raw and flawed but it's appeal lies in the infectious delight filmmaker Rian Johnson takes in riffing on the hard-boiled films he loves.

As an actor, Steve Buscemi brings any character he plays to vivid life. Whether the role is large or small, he always makes a distinct mark on any film he's in. As a director, he's been drawn to the kind of characters that he has sometimes played, characters that live somewhat on the fringes of society. But as a director, he's left a less distinct mark on the films he's made. In

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders will unveil his budget proposal this afternoon.
He has released elements of it every day this week. Today's he's expected to announce the overall package. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

A San Diego environmental group has sued the city of San Diego and its redevelopment agency. The suit alleges the city's recently approved Downtown Community Plan fails to analyze possible alternatives to avoid traffic gridlock. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

A group of UC scientists is raising money to fight malaria in Africa. The researchers have lobbied California's congressional representatives for money to fund the trip. Sacrament reporter, Ellen Ciurczak has more.

Federal law enforcement officials in San Diego are concerned about the up-tick in kidnappings on both sides of the San Diego Tijuana border. FBI officials say they're investigating to see if the kidnappings signal a shift in drug cartels' tactics. KPBS Reporter Amy Isackson has details.

This week, Mayor Jerry Sanders has been rolling out his spending plan for fiscal year 2007, the White House is talking about using military force to stop Iran from making a nuclear weapons and, the race for the 50th Congressional District will be decided in a June run-off election.